Local Post Offices Face Threat Of Closing

Thousands of post offices are being considered for closure across the country. The Postmaster General released the list Tuesday of locations under review.

Some do not sell enough stamps to cover employee costs, while others are surrounded by alternative options. There's a plan to replace shuttered offices with "village post offices." These alternatives would be locations such as general stores which would contract for postal services at major savings.

E-mail is replacing snail mail more every year, and times are tough for the post office. During these hard times, more Eastern Carolina post offices have found themselves on the chopping block.

The U.S. Postal Service headquarters listed the ECU Station Post Offices on a list of 20 North Carolina offices that could close. A 140 day study has just begun on offices across the country, and the locations that are found to not be financially viable will close.

The Postal Service is launching a study of thousands of local post offices for possible closure in an effort to save money.

The cash-strapped agency, which lost $8 billion last year, scheduled a briefing today at which it's expected to announce the action.

Most of the approximately 3,600 offices that face reviews are in rural areas, but postal officials say they're looking into alternate service, such as locating offices in local businesses, town halls or community centers.

In those cases the so-called Village Post Office would replace one to be closed.

Coming under review doesn't necessarily mean an office will close. The post office announced in January it was reviewing 1,400 offices for closing. So far, 280 have been shut and 200 have finished the review process and will remain open.

The U.S. Postal Service is considering closing the New Bern Post Office. The location may consolidate with the post office in James City. Officials sent out a survey to customers who have until July 29th to voice their comments and concerns.

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